Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and overlooks a championship golf course. The beautiful panoramic view encompasses Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands. This splendid plantation lodge has a spacious living room, two private day rooms and a beautiful dining room with outdoor decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent spa facility is nestled in a native Totara forest, while the cottages are nestled on the edge of the forest overlooking the ocean and golf course and have been designed to offer the same stunning 180 degree vista as the main lodge from the private room verandas.
At the heart of a 19th century Victorian estate, Otahuna Lodge seamlessly knits past and present together: period woodwork, stained glass windows and fifteen working fireplaces combine with a host of modern comforts and a rich collection of contemporary New Zealand art. Outside, Otahuna, which is Maori for little hill among the hills, has striking views over the Canterbury Plains and the Banks Peninsula. The song of native bellbirds invites guests to discover hidden glades, ponds and more than 120 different kinds of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and mushrooms in the historic gardens.
Lake Wanaka is an ecological sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s best-preserved sites. On its banks stands this modern retreat with glass architecture that ensures it blends discreetly into the landscape. Go salmon or trout fishing, lakeside walks, horse riding, relax in the hot tub or have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is also possible to take a short helicopter ride to the nearby mountains and utilise Whare Kea’s private chalet. Experience absolute privacy at this mountain chalet on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park.
On splendid, mysterious Lake Wakatipu, the cradle of ancient Maori legends and one of the most serene landscapes in the world, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views of the mountain ranges. Each of the beautiful suites has a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. Eight of them are outlying, the three other are housed in the main lodge, which also boasts a spacious lounge, dining and living areas with views of the lake. A magnificent spa with pool, sauna and fitness centre all combine to make this the ideal retreat, just seven minutes from Queenstown.
Leave the real world behind at Huka Lodge, a place of unrivalled beauty on the banks of the Waikato River with its hypnotic turquoise green waters, located just upstream from the mighty Huka Falls. This part of the world enjoys a gentle climate, a leisurely pace and a spectacular landscape of snow-capped volcanic mountain peaks, wild tussock, lush wilderness and clear blue lakes and streams. Founded in the 1920s, Huka Lodge has become one of New Zealand’s most iconic retreats. Comfort, ambience, gourmet cuisine, fine wine and attentive service all ensure extraordinary hospitality. On its approximately seven hectares of manicured grounds, guest rooms provide secluded accommodation. Guests can choose from an array of activities, including the “Huka Experience”, a scenic helicopter flight over the magnificent Kaimanawa Ranges, the Unesco World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park and a scenic boat cruise on New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo.
This lodge is a golfer’s paradise but it also has a whole lot more to offer. The golf course meandering along the top of the green cliffs is just one of the many reasons to stay at this lodge with its modern and inviting interior design. Nestled in a great wine region, the lodge is an ideal base from which to discover the surrounding estates and find out more about the country’s wines. Outside, lucky visitors may have the moving experience of getting up close and personal with the endangered Kiwi bird. Rafting and fishing in the rushing torrents, galloping along the immense beaches on horseback, relaxing in the spa, and embarking on helicopter and hot air balloon rides are just some of the many pleasurable ways to spend the days here.
